World Cup Discussion

[Rupee92ONLY]

Southgate not being gaffer will have nothing to do with it. We’ve got a far superior coach in charge now.

I think the hype/build up in this country feels a little less because our game has been a bit further away. Usually it starts and we play after a couple days but this time round it’s almost a week in when we appear. It will build, for sure.

im not disputing whether southgate is s superior to cosch to tuchel or not. ( tuchel has a lot to live up to)
Im saying with southgate there was a familiar, feelgood "one of us " type of aura, you simply dont get that with tuchel.

Fair enough, I would agree with that. I think Tuchel will end up being loved here, I genuinely think he will help win us something.

I sounded harsh on Southgate but his man management was clearly mega. He brought the country’s love back for the national team as well as completely ending the Club V Country battle that previous players always had. No ego, just players battling for each other rather than against. He has played the biggest part in getting us ready to win tournaments. Now we have Tuchel with the tactical genius to get us over the line.

A couple of years away but we should be short favourites for the next Euro’s.

[TonySoprano]

Southgate not being gaffer will have nothing to do with it. We’ve got a far superior coach in charge now.

I think the hype/build up in this country feels a little less because our game has been a bit further away. Usually it starts and we play after a couple days but this time round it’s almost a week in when we appear. It will build, for sure.

im not disputing whether southgate is s superior to cosch to tuchel or not. ( tuchel has a lot to live up to)
Im saying with southgate there was a familiar, feelgood "one of us " type of aura, you simply dont get that with tuchel.

Fair enough, I would agree with that. I think Tuchel will end up being loved here, I genuinely think he will help win us something.

I sounded harsh on Southgate but his man management was clearly mega. He brought the country’s love back for the national team as well as completely ending the Club V Country battle that previous players always had. No ego, just players battling for each other rather than against. He has played the biggest part in getting us ready to win tournaments. Now we have Tuchel with the tactical genius to get us over the line.

A couple of years away but we should be short favourites for the next Euro’s.

You've hit the nail on the head of why I loved southgate. He got soooooo close aswell.
The players clearly loved and respected him too.

My big worry is that tuchel will errode all that, and be another capello. 

[scawsby steve]

Anyone else noticed just how little hype or build up there has been for this world cup?

Just zero excitement anywhere. Of course that might change if england go deep.

Is it because theres no southgate ? Or because its in the USA mostly ? Because of the stupid kick off times?

Personally I think its a combination, and I would have much preferred it to be all in Mexico, a proper football country.

Some good points there, Tony, but don't forget that "soccer", as they call it, is extremely popular in the USA, and is now played in schools over there from an early age. Yes, it has to compete with American football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey, but the USA has a massive population, and there's room for all sports.

This was borne out by the fact that the 1994 World Cup in the USA was the biggest attended World Cup in history.

As regards Mexico, yes they're football crazy, but it seems a bit unfair that this is the 3rd time they've had the World Cup, when we've had it just once. Although we know exactly why we didn't get it in 2022.

[BillyStubbsTears]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !

Simple.

Pele, playing at the height of the ability he showed in 1970, wouldn't get in a Conference side today. The game is that much better and more.

[TonySoprano]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !

Simple.

Pele, playing at the height of the ability he showed in 1970, wouldn't get in a Conference side today. The game is that much better and more.

Clueless as usual.   
He would be as good if not better than haaland is now

I think the point your struggling to make is that the training, nutrition sports science etc wasn't as good back then.

[Rupee92ONLY]

Can see Mexico getting another couple before nights out. I would’ve preferred Czech South Korea game in this time slot, I’ve got £50 on Pavel Sulc to be Czech’s top goalscorer at 7’s.

Come on Bosnia! Hopefully get something here tonight.

Got £30 on Esmir Bajraktarevic to be Bosnia’s top scorer at 10’s. Got him in Multi’s and a nice double as well that pays £675.

[Sven Vath]

Don't know which is worse... Oluwaseyi or Canadian chanting of " Let's go Canada' !!

[Rupee92ONLY]

Canada are hilarious bad. Pretty selfish players too. Jesse won’t manage at any respectable level ever again either.

[GazLaz]

Canada are hilarious bad. Pretty selfish players too. Jesse won’t manage at any respectable level ever again either.

I don’t think they were terrible. They just need space to play. Having 60 odd % possession won’t allow them that.

[Rupee92ONLY]

They improved as game went on but they are far too open. Switzerland will win that group comfortably. This will be one of groups that top 3 go through as they are all going to be Qatar.

48 team tournament is a definite no for me but it’s here to stay. Going to still be some shite hovering around in the knock-out stages for a while. Crap.

[Pancho Regan]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !

Simple.

Pele, playing at the height of the ability he showed in 1970, wouldn't get in a Conference side today. The game is that much better and more.

Oh my goodness, that is one of the most ridiculous posts I’ve seen for a long time.

Let me just take that in …. Pele at his height would not get into a Conference side today.

Give your head a wobble BST.

[drfchound]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !

Simple.

Pele, playing at the height of the ability he showed in 1970, wouldn't get in a Conference side today. The game is that much better and more.

Oh my goodness, that is one of the most ridiculous posts I’ve seen for a long time.

Let me just take that in …. Pele at his height would not get into a Conference side today.

Give your head a wobble BST.

I’ve just seen this after being denied access by the GCM.
I suppose WG Grace wouldn’t have got into an average village cricket team either.
Utter nonsense to compare players from the past with todays players.
The best of the seventies etc played in the era they were from, simples.

[Prez]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !

Simple.

Pele, playing at the height of the ability he showed in 1970, wouldn't get in a Conference side today. The game is that much better and more.

Either someone has hacked your account BST or you have been on the pop.

Agree with 95% of your posts but this is your worst by a country mile.

[Bristol Red Rover]

Caught the second half of the Canada Bosnia game. Enjoyed it  but the 5 secs to take a throw/corner seems crazy short. The game was much quicker than without that rule, and I think the players began to suffer. Judgement reserved there, but I hated the long drinks break which is there for ads could have been a 30 sec swig and get on with it. A bit more time for throws would have allowed a better recovery for the players, a smoother pace for the game but less ad revenue.

I was boycotting the world Cup due to it being Trumpified, but have seen I can watch the games in Canada and Mexico  phew!   

[scawsby steve]

USA have ripped Paraguay apart. They've always been a team good in possession, but Pochettino has added pace and energy.

The 3-1 scoreline at the moment is flattering Paraguay.

[scawsby steve]

Caught the second half of the Canada Bosnia game. Enjoyed it  but the 5 secs to take a throw/corner seems crazy short. The game was much quicker than without that rule, and I think the players began to suffer. Judgement reserved there, but I hated the long drinks break which is there for ads could have been a 30 sec swig and get on with it. A bit more time for throws would have allowed a better recovery for the players, a smoother pace for the game but less ad revenue.

I was boycotting the world Cup due to it being Trumpified, but have seen I can watch the games in Canada and Mexico  phew!   

F*ck all to do with Trump. The games played in the USA are all about the teams, players, and fans.

[scawsby steve]

The BBC  pundits  can't believe how good Pochettino's team were. It finished 4-1 but could have been 7 or 8.

I can't see them failing to make the knockout stages, where they'll face much tougher opposition, but for now they can only beat what's in front of them.

[GazLaz]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !

Simple.

Pele, playing at the height of the ability he showed in 1970, wouldn't get in a Conference side today. The game is that much better and more.

Oh my goodness, that is one of the most ridiculous posts I’ve seen for a long time.

Let me just take that in …. Pele at his height would not get into a Conference side today.

Give your head a wobble BST.

Presuming BST means if you dropped 1960/1970s Pele straight into a team in 2026, and he would be correct.

If Pele was born in the 21st century and developed in the modern way that’s likely to be different. Would he have the natural pace and athleticism to play the top level in 2026 though? That’s no certainty. You have to be a real high level athlete to play at the top level these days, not everyone can achieve that level.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

But contrast that with there being more stoppages in today's game. You only have to watch a re run of the 66 world cup final to see how non stop the play was. Couple that with heavier balls and pitches, I'm confident the great players of yesteryear would adapt and be great today.

[Fal]

Caught the second half of the Canada Bosnia game. Enjoyed it  but the 5 secs to take a throw/corner seems crazy short. The game was much quicker than without that rule, and I think the players began to suffer. Judgement reserved there, but I hated the long drinks break which is there for ads could have been a 30 sec swig and get on with it. A bit more time for throws would have allowed a better recovery for the players, a smoother pace for the game but less ad revenue.

I was boycotting the world Cup due to it being Trumpified, but have seen I can watch the games in Canada and Mexico  phew!   

Ah yes boycotting a world cup like they give a crap that BRR isn't going to watch it, some people get too involved with politics. Just enjoy the football.

[drfchound]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !

Simple.

Pele, playing at the height of the ability he showed in 1970, wouldn't get in a Conference side today. The game is that much better and more.

Oh my goodness, that is one of the most ridiculous posts I’ve seen for a long time.

Let me just take that in …. Pele at his height would not get into a Conference side today.

Give your head a wobble BST.

Presuming BST means if you dropped 1960/1970s Pele straight into a team in 2026, and he would be correct.

If Pele was born in the 21st century and developed in the modern way that’s likely to be different. Would he have the natural pace and athleticism to play the top level in 2026 though? That’s no certainty. You have to be a real high level athlete to play at the top level these days, not everyone can achieve that level.

I think we all know what bst meant Gaz but as I implied in my response, players from the past can only be compared to the players they played with and against at the time.

[normal rules]

Boyle sports have a good bonus bet available. Brazil to score first goal in the Morocco game is even money

[Barmby Rover]

I watched ten minutes or so of Canada v Bosnia, no better than watching a League 1 game. Not interested in this crap.

[scawsby steve]

I watched ten minutes or so of Canada v Bosnia, no better than watching a League 1 game. Not interested in this crap.

Yes, it was pretty crap. However, the USA was a different level altogether.

Keep watching. You will see some good football from some pretty decent teams.

[BillyStubbsTears]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !

Simple.

Pele, playing at the height of the ability he showed in 1970, wouldn't get in a Conference side today. The game is that much better and more.

Oh my goodness, that is one of the most ridiculous posts I’ve seen for a long time.

Let me just take that in …. Pele at his height would not get into a Conference side today.

Give your head a wobble BST.

Presuming BST means if you dropped 1960/1970s Pele straight into a team in 2026, and he would be correct.

If Pele was born in the 21st century and developed in the modern way that’s likely to be different. Would he have the natural pace and athleticism to play the top level in 2026 though? That’s no certainty. You have to be a real high level athlete to play at the top level these days, not everyone can achieve that level.

That's it exactly Gaz. Playing at the speed and intensity he played at in 1970, he'd be embarrassed in today's game.

Maybe he could, with modern training, have developed the physical condition to play at the modern speed, but there is absolutely no way of knowing if his mind-body coordination would have been quick enough for the modern game. Because it never needed to be for him to be a genius in 1970.

I've said times many, those who are certain I'm wrong, before you blow off, just watch a video of a top game from the 1960s and compare it to a Conference game today. And be honest in your assessment.

Start with the first 30 seconds of this one. It is literally a different sport to the modern game.

https://youtu.be/4HHDpzIwnms?is=NhsLKJR9Bvd8blSn

[BillyStubbsTears]

My particular favourite, after they've stopped walking around and playing 5 yard passes straight to the opposition.

Watch the Czech No4 for this goal. And imagine EVER seeing defending like that in Tier 5 today.

https://youtu.be/4HHDpzIwnms?t=113

[Bristol Red Rover]

Caught the second half of the Canada Bosnia game. Enjoyed it  but the 5 secs to take a throw/corner seems crazy short. The game was much quicker than without that rule, and I think the players began to suffer. Judgement reserved there, but I hated the long drinks break which is there for ads could have been a 30 sec swig and get on with it. A bit more time for throws would have allowed a better recovery for the players, a smoother pace for the game but less ad revenue.

I was boycotting the world Cup due to it being Trumpified, but have seen I can watch the games in Canada and Mexico  phew!   

F*ck all to do with Trump. The games played in the USA are all about the teams, players, and fans.

Yes, it should be nowt to do with Trump, but it is. FIFA very much in his pocket.

Bans on various team  squad members, for a number of nations, restrictions on Iran, the Somalian referee. All very much to do with Trump.

And the boycotting, Filo, is purely about being a moralistic beast, I can't enjoy the US racist ego in this world Cup, so skipping US based muck leads to a happier life. But of course, go your own way, I'm not judging.

[Filo]

Caught the second half of the Canada Bosnia game. Enjoyed it  but the 5 secs to take a throw/corner seems crazy short. The game was much quicker than without that rule, and I think the players began to suffer. Judgement reserved there, but I hated the long drinks break which is there for ads could have been a 30 sec swig and get on with it. A bit more time for throws would have allowed a better recovery for the players, a smoother pace for the game but less ad revenue.

I was boycotting the world Cup due to it being Trumpified, but have seen I can watch the games in Canada and Mexico  phew!   

F*ck all to do with Trump. The games played in the USA are all about the teams, players, and fans.

Yes, it should be nowt to do with Trump, but it is. FIFA very much in his pocket.

Bans on various team  squad members, for a number of nations, restrictions on Iran, the Somalian referee. All very much to do with Trump.

And the boycotting, Filo, is purely about being a moralistic beast, I can't enjoy the US racist ego in this world Cup, so skipping US based muck leads to a happier life. But of course, go your own way, I'm not judging.

Excuse me! What have I got to do with this thread?

[Blue Green Algae]

Pele could do a 10.6s 100m apparently.

Usain Bolt is an atrocious footballer however, so doesn't mean much in terms of speed of thought, application etc.

[BillyStubbsTears]

Pele could do a 10.6s 100m apparently.

Usain Bolt is an atrocious footballer however, so doesn't mean much in terms of speed of thought, application etc.

Great. How would he gave dealt with a modern press and players who can still sprint at 95% of their best after running 12km over 90 minutes.

THAT is the point. Pele played in an era that is absolutely unrecognisable to today's game.